Dropping leaves from a cherry tree is a common problem and many people encounter it in their garden. In order to get to the root of the issue, it’s important to understand why this is happening in the first place – there could be several different factors at play. Generally, though, a cherry tree will drop leaves for a combination of physiological and environmental reasons. In this article, we’ll explore each of these influencing factors in more detail and investigate what remedial measures can be taken to remedy the situation.
Environmental Factors
Cherry trees are subject to a range of environmental factors, such as the amount of sunlight they receive and the availability of water. When these things aren’t balanced, it can cause the leaves of the trees to drop prematurely. For instance, when trees don’t receive enough sunlight during the winter, the shorter days can stunt the growth of the leaves and trigger them to drop. Similarly, when trees don’t get enough water, the leaves already on the tree become dry and brittle, causing them to fall off.
In order to rectify this situation, you need to ensure that your cherry tree gets enough sunlight and water. Aim to water the tree on a regular basis and in turn, it will respond to the nutrients supplied. Furthermore, you should keep an eye out for any pests and diseases that may be affecting the tree, as they too can cause leaf drop.
Physiological Factors
In addition to environmental factors, physiological reasons can also cause a cherry tree to drop its leaves. For instance, cherry trees are prone to slow decline when the age of the tree exceeds 10 to 12 years. Some trees may start to decline even earlier – those planted on excessively compacted soil have been known to start showing signs of decline as early as five years. During the decline period, it’s not uncommon for smaller branches and leaves to drop off as a result of nutrient deficiencies.
If your tree is showing signs of decline, you should assess the soil it is planted in. Try to reduce the compaction levels, or replace the soil altogether if required. It’s also worth considering supplementing the existing soil with fertilizers to support the tree and help it recover from any nutrient deficiencies it may have.
Buying the Right Variety
When buying a cherry tree, it is important to select the right variety for your location. For instance, some varieties require specific climate conditions whereas others have been bred to be resistant to diseases and pests. What’s more, different varieties of trees may have different levels of susceptibility to environmental factors. Consider the space you have available, the climate conditions and the other trees that live in your garden, and source a variety of cherry tree that is suited to all of these conditions.
Monitoring Your Tree
In order to maintain your cherry tree’s health, it’s important to keep a regular eye on it. Aim to examine your tree at least once a month, checking for issues such as pests, diseases, environmental damage and nutrient deficiencies. If you spot any of these, you should take remedial measures right away. Additionally, you should prune the tree occasionally to reduce overcrowding and maintain a healthy structure.
Fertilizers and Mulching
Using fertilizers and mulching can also help to keep your cherry tree healthy. Generally, apply a slow-release fertilizer to the tree no more than twice per year and spread a thick layer of mulch over the soil. Not only do these things help to protect the tree’s roots, but they also have the added benefit of retaining moisture.
Proper Care and Maintenance
Overall, a cherry tree requires specific care and maintenance in order to remain healthy. Taking the time to assess your tree regularly and implement the measures mentioned above will help to reduce the risk of leaf drop and ensure a productive harvest. Additionally, regular pruning will not only help to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration, but it’ll also make your cherry tree look more aesthetically pleasing.
Quarantine Measures
If you’re purchasing a new cherry tree, you should take steps to ensure that it doesn’t cause any problems with the existing trees in your garden. Begin by isolating your new tree in an area of your garden well away from the other trees – this will help to prevent the spread of any pests or diseases between them. Additionally, it’s important to follow quarantine guidelines when bringing in plants from third parties, such as nurseries, garden shops and local suppliers. This will help to avoid the introduction of any invasive species into your garden.
Harvesting and Pruning
A further tip to keep in mind is that when harvesting cherry fruit from your tree, you should avoid pruning it back too severely. Pruning is necessary to maintain a tree’s health and structure, however, it should be done carefully so as not to overly stress the tree. Aim to prune the tree during the winter months when it is more dormant and make sure not to remove more than a quarter of the tree’s branches each year.
Regular Maintenance
Finally, an important part of cherry tree care involves regular maintenance. Aim to inspect your tree no less than once a month and check for signs of any issues. Keep an eye out for pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies and environmental stress. If problems are spotted, take the necessary remedial measures outlined above. Furthermore, don’t forget to add a layer of mulch to ensure the tree’s roots are properly nourished.
